Director Identification Number Regime (DIN)

As part of a suite of amendments to the Corporations Act 2001, the Director Identification Number (DIN) regime was passed on 29 September 2021 under Schedule 2 of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Registries Modernisation and Other Measures) Act 2020. Starting 1 November 2021, the regime requires all existing company directors to obtain a 15-digit Director Identification Number by 30 November 2022. For individuals who become company directors from 1 November 2021 transitional arrangements apply up to 5 April 2022, after which time an individual must have a DIN prior to being appointed a director.

In summary:

All company directors must obtain a DIN, even if they are overseas residents.

Directors will only have one DIN which is unique to their identity. They will keep this number even if they change companies, change their name or cease being a director.

Existing directors at 31 October 2021 have until 30 November 2022 to obtain their DIN.

Persons appointed as a director for the first time after 1 November 2021 must apply for a DIN within 28 days of their appointment.

From 5 April 2022 a person must have a DIN before being appointed as a director.

The DIN registration process opens 1 November 2021.

Significant penalties apply for failing to obtain, misuse, or falsifying a DIN.

What is a Director Identification Number?

The Director Identification Number is a 15-digit unique identifier that will help prevent the use of false or fraudulent director identities within the Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS) system. This will make it easier to trace director relationships across companies and help identify and eliminate involvement in illegal activity such as phoenixing.

Who needs a DIN?

A DIN will be required if you are a director or alternate director of:

Corporations Act entities – meaning companies, registered foreign companies, or companies that are responsible for managed investment schemes; and
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).

Why is it being introduced?

To deter and disrupt illegal phoenix activity in order to protect those who are negatively impacted by such fraudulent behavior.

To prevent the appointment of fictitious directors or inaccurate directors’ names.

To increase traceability and transparency of the relationships between directors and their companies.

To tighten the company registration process and help avoid the appointment of directors to companies without their knowledge or consent.

What do you need to do from 1 November 2021?

Individuals who are currently a director or will be acting as a director in the future must apply for a DIN based on the transitional arrangements specified in the table below:

Date of appointment	Date for DIN application
On or before 31 October 2021	By 14 December 2022
From 5 April 2022	Before appointment

How do you apply for your DIN?

All directors must apply for their own DIN through Australian Business Registry Services (ABRS), a department set up by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) which is responsible for facilitating the DIN initiative and providing a platform for viewing and maintain a business’s information with the government.

There are three ways to apply for a DIN. Each method requires a director to verify their identity as part of the application process:

Type	Method
Digital Application	Online via the Australian Business Registry Service (ABRS) website. This method requires a myGovID prior to applying for a DIN.
Phone Application	Apply for a DIN verbally via the phone & answer questions regarding proof of identity – only available to directors who have an Australian TFN.
Paper Application	Apply for a DIN using a PDF-form and provide certified proof of identity documents by mail to: ABRS, Locked Bag 6000, Albury NSW 2640.

To complete your DIN application online please click here. Please note to complete the online application a MyGovID is required. A MyGovID is different from MyGov and is obtained by downloading and applying via the MyGovID app to your smart device.

To apply over the phone please call ABRS on 13 62 50 between 8.00am – 6.00pm weekdays.

Should you wish to lodge a paper application a printable copy of the DIN application form can be found here.

Once you have obtained your DIN please forward it to Julia Guikher from our office at juliag@marinaccountants.com.au to allow us to update our records.

If you would like our assistance in meeting your obligations under the DIN regime please contact Julia Guikher at the above email address to arrange a time for us to help you with the application process.

Further information

To find out more about this new legislation please click here.

If you have any further queries about the DIN regime do not hesitate to contact us via email or on 03 9645 9229.